YOU have probably heard of the million men march but I'll bet you have never heard of the million flag march.

This spectacular sight will see throngs of people gather at Sandton and other places in the country on July 9 to march with their flags hoisted high with pride.

All South Africans are expected to stand together on that day, when hundreds of fans will gather across the country to garner support for the World Cup two days before the final game.

The benefits of the tournament in most countries continue to soar years after the event because of the passion the people of the hosting nation show to the world.

The event will focus on South Africans by encouraging them to raise and fly their beloved flags for the tournament.

The one million flag march will progress from Baragwanath Hospital to Maponya Mall, then Jabulani Mall to Dobsonville Mall through Meadowlands to Protea Gardens Mall. It will end at the Fifa Fan Fest in Elkah Stadium in Soweto.

Sparked by Bafana Bafana's early elimination from the World Cup, there was concern that local crowds would lose interest in the game.

So far we have watched with wonder as the crowds filled the stadiums, contrary to earlier fears that expensive tickets would force them to watch games from the sidelines.

Now that Bafana Bafana are out of the tournament SA wants to show the world that we are a soccer-loving country.

The One Million Flag March has been organised to keep the soccer momentum going.

It's a way of keeping local interest intact and the good thing is that most of the fans already have favourite teams in the tournament.